Eternals in IMAX

Eternals in IMAX

Finally, “Eternals” from the Marvel Universe hits the big screen. 

In this installment the backstory plays a large part in setting the stage for how the “Eternals” came to be. A group of Ancient Aliens who came to Earth and had been living in secret for thousands of years makes their presence known following the events of the “Avengers: Endgame” an unexpected tragedy forces the “Eternals” out of the shadows to reunite together against mankind’s most dangerous enemy, the Deviants. The story unfolds from there…

 I had high expectations for “Eternals” since it is part of the Marvel Universe, but alas “Eternals” does not live up to the high stands of past Marvel Universe productions. The first 45 minutes was very entertaining and I thought I was in for a great ride. Along the way the movie sags under so many different small plots and different stories that are hinted upon that you will find yourself conflicted and maybe a bit confused.

The cinematography is on point. There are some really great special effects, a lot of action and combat. The door was left open for another installment. Maybe a 2nd installment will come together better.

“Eternals” is only playing in theaters and not on a streaming service. 

If you are a Marvel fan, you will want to see “Eternals” and judge for yourself.

This is a 3 Star Movie!!

Dune

Dune

In this first of two installments of “Dune” we learn of a young man who is born into a destiny not of his choosing but is forced to do whatever is necessary to save the future of his family and his planet. In order to do this, he must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe and fight while overcoming his own fears to survive. The story unfolds from there…

 Wow! What a visual. The movie is a bit cumbersome in some areas, but that does not take away from the story. The execution of the saga is on point and the casting is AWESOME! Some of the desert scenes reminded me of the 2015 Blockbuster “Mad Max: Fury Road”, “Desert Dirt Flying…”. This is the first of 2 Dune movies and I am excited for the conclusion.

“Dune” is in Theaters and Streaming on HBO MAX until Nov 21st.

It’s best seen on the big screen!

This is a 4 Star Movie!!

The Last Duel

The Last Duel

“The Last Duel” is a cinematic feast and thought-provoking saga set in the midst of the 100 Years War (13th Century). During that time the ubiquitous power of men, the frailty of justice and the strength and courage of one woman who is willing to stand alone in the service of the truth is examined. This movie is based on actual events that did take place. The movie climaxes with what is known as France’s “Last Duel” between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris who were once good friends that became bitter rivals. The Story unfolds from there…

This is a Ridley Scott production! Ridley Scott makes very good movies.

The story is Compelling, Intriguing from a historical point, Bloody and Violent. 

One interesting thing to note…Ben Affleck is Blond in this movie and I did not recognize me at first.

If you like historical drama, “The Last Duel” should not be missed.

“The Last Duel” is in Theaters.

This is a 4 ½ Star Movie!!

No Time to Die in Real 3D

No Time to Die in Real 3D

Wow!! Finally… “No Time to Die”. This installment finds James Bond attempting to live a normal life in Jamaica. He is no longer with the agency and is enjoying a peaceful life. 

James’s peaceful life is short lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA contacts him needing his help. The mission is to find a Scientist who has been kidnapped. The mission ends up being far more dangerous than expected. The trail leads Bond to a mysterious villain who is armed with a dangerous new weapon. The story unfolds from there…

I will miss Daniel Craig as James Bond. He is cool as a cucumber in this installment. He dispatches bad guys with style and grace.

This installment leaves nothing out. The movie has tons of action, suspense, intrigue and a few special effects. The cinematography is on point. The story is rich with a back and a front. The 3D aspects were very good.

While “Skyfall” and “Casino Royale” are two of the very best Bond installments from Dan Craig, “No Time to Die” is right there with them.

If you are a James Bond fan “No Time to Die” should not be missed. 

“No Time to Die” is only available in Theaters.

This is a 4 ½ Star Movie!!

The Many Saints of Newark

The Many Saints of Newark

“The Many Saints of Newark” sort of takes you back to when Anthony Soprano was growing up. Anthony grew up during the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history. He became a man just as rival gangsters began to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in this whirlwind time is Anthony’s uncle Dickie Moltisanti whom he idolized. Dickie Moltisanti struggled greatly to manage both his personal and professional responsibilities. The influence he has over his nephew will help make Anthony into the powerful mob boss that we all came to know as Tony Soprano. Basically, this is the prequel to “The Sopranos” that appeared on HBO for many years. 

The movie is dark, unnerving and a bit pathetic. I found myself gasping at times at some of the scenes.

The movie is executed very well, but not that engaging or entertaining. The cast of characters is spot on!!

If you are a fan of the HBO Series “The Sopranos”, “The Many Saints of Newark” should not be missed.

“The Many Saints of Newark” is in theaters and also streaming on HBO MAX.

This is a 2 ½ Star Movie!!

Copshop

Copshop

On the run from an Assassin, a wiry Con-Artist devises a plan to get arrested so he can hide out in the local jail. But when the Assassin shows up and is also booked and placed in a nearby jail cell, a rookie cop gets caught in the cross hairs. The story unfolds from there…

Actress Alexis Louder is absolutely stellar in her role as “Harper”. Actually, she is what keeps the movie interesting. There is action, but it is BLOODY!!


There is a combination of Director’s Guy Richie and Quinton Tarantino influences at work here. But with all of that and the great acting, the story is still lacking. There are many pieces to the puzzle that somehow must have fallen on the cutting room floor.

“Copshop” is only available in Theaters.

This is a 3 Star Movie!!

Cry Macho

Cry Macho

Clint Eastwood plays Mike Milo a former Rodeo Star / washed-up Horse Breeder in this Warner Bros Vehicle.

In 1979 Mike Milo takes on a job from a former Boss to see that his son gets safely across the Mexican Border to Texas. During the trip Mike and his young passenger are forced to take the back roads and they still face a number of challenges along the way. During the journey Mike reflects on his life and finds his own brand of redemption. The story unfolds from there…

While the story is interesting, the movie is slow and go. Clint Eastwood’s character seemed odd in this movie. There are a few bright spots in “Cry Macho”, but the story seems unfinished as if there should have been a better back story to really give the movie more meaning.

At 91 years of age, Clint Eastwood still gets around really good.

“Cry Macho” is at the Box office and also streaming on HBO MAX until Oct 17th.

This is a 2 ½ Star Movie!!

The Card Counter

The Card Counter

“The Card Counter” was not originally on my “Watch List”, but after seeing several trailers I decided to give it a look. 

“The Card Counter” is about revenge, redemption and moral responsibility. The movie is intense and at times difficult to look at because some of the scenes are very grotesque. 

Oscar Isaac plays William Tell, a former Military Interrogator who becomes a gambler. He is haunted by events and tasks he participated in during his time in the Military. William meets a woman in a Casino that he becomes attracted to. The story unfolds from there…

 The story and the movie are super intense and riveting. While the performances of Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish, Willem Dafoe and Tye Sheridan are outstanding, the movie was not very entertaining.

Some of the viewers in the cinema I was in got up and left an hour into the movie. Had I not been writing a review; I probably would have left also.

Hopefully in the near future we will see Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish and Willem Dafoe in something more entertaining and light-hearted.

This is a 2 1/2 Star Movie!! 

Cinderella 2021 on Amazon Prime

Cinderella 2021 on Amazon Prime

How many times and how many ways can Cinderella be made? Well, another installment is upon us. This one is an Amazon Prime Exclusive. It’s chocked full of famous and well-known actors and actresses and I am sure this was a fun vehicle for them to make. 

Unfortunately, it’s not as good as it should be… Don’t get me wrong, they did change it up a bit in several areas. Also, this is primarily a Musical, so most of the dialog is in song.  I am just no sure that this version needed to be told. Cinderella is a Classic!! This version tries to bring it into the 21st Century. I don’t feel that is needed. It could have been redone, just keep the Classic style in place.

I did find parts of the movie amusing. I also found parts of the movie boring.

Alas…There was some comic relief. I think children will find this version entertaining. From an Adult’s perspective the screenplay is disjointed.

If you have Amazon Prime, viewing this installment of Cinderella will not cost you a dime. Otherwise, it’s not worth the cost of a regular movie ticket.

This is a 2 Star Movie!!

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings in AMC Dolby

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings in AMC Dolby

What a nice surprise!! Marvel has expanded its Universe and it could not happen at a better time.


The back story for “Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings” is on point! The story makes sense and everything ties together nicely. 

Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) must confront his past, a past he thought he had left behind, but it comes and finds him in San Francisco. He is drawn into a web of mystery by an organization known as the Ten Rings. Shang-Chi soon finds out that his Father is behind the mystery and they must confront each other to move forward. The story unfolds from there…

The usual Marvel Universe effects are in play. The movie is chalked full of action, special effects, intrigue and great cinematography.

This is an excellent first installment of Shang-Chi. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

If you are a Marvel Universe fan “Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings should not be missed. It’s only in theaters.

This is a 5 Star Movie!!